Good variety: Khairruni (right) attending to patrons at her stall in Ipoh. — Bernama
IPOH: A trader’s compassion for a struggling customer who could not afford kuih raya sparked an initiative to sell them for just RM6 per container.
Khairruni Ahmad Zabidi, 64, recalled the heartbreaking moment and, after discussing it with her daughter, Norhidayu Abdullah, 34, they decided to make the biscuits more affordable.
She sells more than 100 types of festive biscuits, which she makes with her sister, Suhairah Ahmad Zabidi, 66, and Norhidayu, at her stall at the parking lot of a petrol station in Jalan Raja Ashman here.
“It’s common for children to cling to cookie jars, but with prices ranging from RM28 to RM35 per jar, some parents just can’t afford them.
“So I decided to sell biskut raya for as low as RM6, making it possible for customers with RM50 to buy up to eight containers,” she told Bernama.
The Rahmah cookie initiative, now in its second year, has received good response, with about 7,500 containers sold since March 15.
The biscuits include pineapple tarts, almond London, Nestum and oat biscuits, and rempeyek.
Khairruni said each container has between 18 and 20 pieces, but her priority is ensuring everyone can enjoy the festive season, even if it means earning only a small profit.
“All biscuits are homemade in my kitchen with the help of 15 single mothers, providing them with a source of income.
“The response has been very encouraging.
“Many customers from last year have returned, along with my long-time loyal buyers,” she said.
With over 20 years of experience making kuih raya, Khairruni prioritises taste and quality.
“Some may assume that our biscuits are of lower quality due to the low price.
“However, customers say they are comparable to premium biscuits.
“In today’s economy, people are trying to save, so I help by offering affordable prices, and in return, they support my business,” she said.
On the challenges of running a business, Khairruni said she once lost a trading space and struggled to find a new location until the petrol station owner offered her a spot at the parking lot.
“Besides sustaining our livelihood, this business also helps cover Norhidayu’s medical expenses as she has health issues,” she said.
Customer Hasbol Mustafa, 41, said this is his second year purchasing kuih raya from the stall due to the variety and affordability.
“Whenever I return to Ipoh, I always stop by to stock up on kuih raya because they are delicious, with plenty of options and are reasonably priced,” he said.
